Cutter Boley Shines with 6 TD Passes as Arizona State Crushes Morgan State 70-7
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
In a season opener that quickly turned into a showcase, Arizona State dismantled Morgan State 70-7 on Saturday night in Tempe, with new quarterback Cutter Boley delivering a six-touchdown performance in his debut for the Sun Devils. The junior transfer, who spent two seasons at Kentucky, threw for 387 yards on 21-of-27 passing, spreading the ball to five different receivers. Reed Harris hauled in two touchdowns and finished with 137 yards on six catches, while Omarion Miller caught eight passes for 102 yards and a score. Grayson Rigdon added two touchdown receptions, combining for 110 yards, and AJ Ia also found the end zone.
The Sun Devils wasted no time establishing control. On their second offensive play, Kyson Brown burst through the line for a 46-yard touchdown run. Arizona State then caught Morgan State off guard with an onside kick, which Cory Butler Jr. recovered. That set up a five-play drive capped by a 10-yard touchdown pass from Boley to Miller. By halftime, the Sun Devils had built a 49-7 lead, leaving little doubt about the outcome.
Head coach Kenny Dillingham praised his team's offseason work but remained grounded. "I think that they showed that they put in a lot of work this offseason," Dillingham said. "But we've got an unbelievable challenge ahead of us." He also noted the unusual fourth quarter, which was shortened to 10 minutes after Morgan State coach Damon Wilson requested it. "The referees came over and said, (Morgan State coach Damon Wilson) asked if we could shorten the quarter, and I said, yeah, of course, whatever he wants, we will do," Dillingham explained. "And I've never been a part of a game like that. I didn't know that was legal."
Boley, who replaced Sam Leavitt after Leavitt transferred to LSU, played only one series in the third quarter before exiting. He credited the team's preparation and the fan support. "It was awesome how the fan base showed out," Boley said. "It's just a lot of credit to the guys on the team for how we played tonight and how bought in they were all week to the game plan."
Morgan State, an FCS program, scored its only touchdown in the first half on a 2-yard run by Jordan Barnett, set up by a 39-yard carry from Marquez Spells. The Bears managed just 188 total yards against the Sun Devils' defense. Head coach Damon Wilson saw the game as a learning experience, especially for younger players. "A lot of guys who hadn't played got some snaps," Wilson said. "A lot of times, guys say they are ready to play and now we have film to show you if you're ready or you're not. All in all, we got through it and we gotta get ready for the home opener."
Arizona State's offensive output was staggering: 688 yards of total offense, just shy of the program's single-game record of 79 points set against Colorado State in 1969. The Sun Devils also reached 70 points in a game against rival Arizona in 2020. The running game, led by Brown's 80 yards on six carries, complemented the passing attack. Arizona State has now scored on its opening drive for 11 consecutive seasons, the longest active streak in the country.
Next up for the Sun Devils is a significant test: a road game against No. 8 Texas A&M, followed by a trip to London to face Kansas. Morgan State, which received $600,000 for traveling from Baltimore to Tempe, will host Virginia-Lynchburg in its home opener.
Article commentary
Arizona State's 70-7 demolition of Morgan State was more than just a lopsided score—it was a statement of intent from a program looking to make noise in the Big 12. Cutter Boley's debut was nothing short of spectacular, as he threw six touchdown passes with surgical precision. His chemistry with wide receivers Reed Harris and Omarion Miller was evident from the first drive, and the offense operated with a fluidity that suggests the Sun Devils may have found a reliable signal-caller after Sam Leavitt's departure. However, it's important to temper expectations. Morgan State is an FCS opponent that, despite taking home a $600,000 guarantee, was outmatched in every facet of the game. The Bears' defense offered little resistance, and Boley's stat line should be viewed in that context. The real test for Arizona State comes next week against No. 8 Texas A&M on the road. That game will reveal whether the offensive explosion was a product of weak competition or a genuine step forward under Dillingham's guidance. The Sun Devils' running game, led by Kyson Brown, also looked sharp, but again, the level of opposition matters. The shortened fourth quarter—by mutual agreement—was an unusual but pragmatic move, reflecting the game's completely one-sided nature. Dillingham's admission that he didn't know such a move was legal underscores the rarity of such a blowout. From Morgan State's perspective, the game served its purpose financially and as a measuring stick. Coach Damon Wilson is right to focus on the film as a teaching tool. Seeing which players performed under the bright lights—even in a loss—can help build depth for the season ahead. The Bears' lone touchdown drive showed some spark, but the overall talent gap was glaring. Looking ahead, Arizona State's schedule ramps up quickly. After Texas A&M, they travel to London to face Kansas, a team that has shown improvement in recent years. If Boley can maintain his efficiency against tougher defenses, the Sun Devils could be a dark horse in the Big 12. The team's ability to score on its opening drive for 11 straight years speaks to strong preparation, but sustaining that momentum through conference play will be the real challenge. This game also highlighted a broader trend in college football: the financial and competitive dynamics between FBS and FCS programs. Morgan State's $600,000 payday is a lifeline for many smaller schools, but the on-field disparity often leads to lopsided results. While such games generate revenue, they rarely provide meaningful competition. The NCAA may need to reconsider how these matchups are structured to ensure they serve both programs' interests. Ultimately, Arizona State's performance was impressive but must be taken with a grain of salt. The Sun Devils have the talent to compete at a high level, but the proof will come in the weeks ahead. For now, Boley has given fans plenty of reason for optimism.